Courses for Provisionally Licensed Teachers

Provisionally Licensed Teachers

Course Term(s)
EDUC 510U Concepts and Methods in Elementary Math [E] Fall, Summer
EDUC 517U Foundations of Education [E,S] Fall, Spring, Summer
EDUC 518U Diverse Learners & Human Growth and Development* [E,S] Fall, Spring, Summer
EDUC 524U Reading Foundations for Early Literacy Instruction* [E] Fall, Summer
EDUC 526U Assessment, Intervention & Literacy Strategies for Elementary Readers* [E] Fall, Spring
EDUC 527U Curriculum and Instruction in Elementary Classroom [E] Summer
EDUC 542U Teaching & Learning in Secondary Classrooms [S] Fall, Spring
EDUC 543U Assessment & Evaluation in Education [E,S] Fall, Spring, Summer
EDUC 550U Content Area Literacy* [S] Spring, Summer
EDUC 558U Classroom & Behavior Management* [E,S] Fall, Spring, Summer

Legend

  • Level: E = Elementary; S = Secondary & Comprehensive
  • * Course requires field experience

The School of Professional & Continuing Studies provides approved courses for teachers holding a provisional license from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Only VDOE may grant a provisional license upon request of a Virginia public school division seeking to employ an individual with minimal competency gaps.

Consult with your division or school licensure specialist to determine which courses you need to complete licensure requirements.

The University of Richmond is authorized by VDOE as an “approved licensure program,” meaning approved courses taken at UR will address licensure requirements.

The SPCS Education program offers many courses that are open to provisional license holders seeking coursework related to the VDOE’s professional studies requirements. Classes listed on this page are offered on a consistent rotation.

Additionally, we offer classes in the following specialized categories:

Provisionally licensed individuals should confirm with a VDOE Licensure Specialist that a course meets VDOE’s professional studies requirements before registering for any course.

Review additional details about the VDOE provisional license below. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Julia Burke at jburke@richmond.edu or (804) 484-1584.

Additional Information

What is a provisional license?

Provisional licenses are issued by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) at the request of the hiring school division.

The provisional license is a nonrenewable license valid for a period not to exceed three years. It is issued to an individual who has minimal competency gaps for full licensure as set forth by the VDOE in the Virginia Licensure Regulations for School Personnel. The individual must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

The provisional license, with the exception of those individuals seeking licensure through a career switcher program, is issued for three years. Individuals must complete the requirements for the regular, ten-year license within the Provisional License’s three-year term.

Who might seek a provisional license?

A provisional licensure is one alternative route to licensure approved by the VDOE. For example, individuals who graduate from an accredited college or university without education coursework would not meet the VDOE requirements for an initial teaching license. However, such individuals may seek an alternative route to licensure like the provisional license. VDOE regulations allow an individual with minimal competency gaps to be employed by a school division and be granted a provisional license.

This license must be requested by the hiring school division, not by the individual.

The VDOE is the licensure authority for all teaching licenses for grades K-12 in the state. The VDOE grants licensure to individuals who meet the requirements either via a state-approved Teacher Education program or through an alternative route to licensure.

Can UR provide a signed College Verification Form?

We can’t provide this form. Those seeking to meet VDOE professional studies requirements via coursework should not request a signed College Verification Form from the University of Richmond. Instead, please submit to VDOE a course description for any completed courses along with your UR transcript as proof of completion.

Where can I learn more about a provisional license?

Please contact a Licensure Specialist in the Office of Teacher Education and Licensure at the VDOE at (804) 225-2022 with any questions specific to a provisional license and/or fulfilling competency gaps during the term of your provisional license.

Available Classes

Review the schedule of classes (below) to see which classes are being offered or will be offered in an upcoming term.

Expand All
  • EDUC 510U Concepts and Methods in Elementary Math
    Course Offerings

    August 25, 2025 through December 13, 2025
    Tuesday 4:20 pm - 6:50 pm

    Patricia Stohr-Hunt

    CRN: 11335 (section: pd1)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    In person. Teachers seeking professional development only.

    Description

    In-depth examination of fundamental mathematical concepts and subject-specific pedagogy, focusing on whole numbers and their operations, algebraic thinking in the early grades, and measurement. Content emphasizes and integrates state and national standards, problem-solving approaches, use of manipulatives and technology, current research and learning theory.

  • EDUC 517U Foundations of Education
    Course Offerings

    August 25, 2025 through December 13, 2025
    Thursday 4:20 pm - 6:50 pm

    Robert Spires

    CRN: 10321 (section: pd1)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    Remote online as scheduled. Teachers seeking professional development only.

    Description

    Introduction to the American educational system. Explores the philosophical, sociological, historical, and political roots of schools today. Attention also given to the legal status of teachers and students, including federal and state laws and regulations, school as an organization/culture, and contemporary issues in education. Explores professionalism, ethics, performance standards, and integrity for teachers.

  • EDUC 518U Diverse Learners and Human Growth and Development
    Course Offerings

    August 25, 2025 through December 13, 2025
    Thursday 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

    Laura Kuti

    CRN: 12166 (section: pd1)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    Remote online as scheduled. Teachers seeking professional development only.

    Description

    Introduces students to the wide range of diversity that exists in schools today. Explores diverse learning styles and students' needs, and connections to cultures, communities, and family values as well as student support through trauma informed care. Provides theoretical underpinnings and contemporary perspective on critical issues, professional practices, and state and federal laws influencing the teaching of students with diverse learning needs, including specific learning disabilities (SLD) such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and auditory processing disorders. Note: Field experience required.

  • EDUC 524U Reading Foundations for Early Literacy Instruction
    Course Offerings

    August 25, 2025 through December 13, 2025
    Wednesday 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

    Tammy Milby
    Paula Marks

    CRN: 10322 (section: pd1)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    In-person/online hybrid. In-person sessions TBA. Off-campus meetings required. Teachers seeking professional development only.

    Description

    In-depth examination of the teaching methods, literacy concepts and development, and materials which are utilized to support and scaffold children's literacy acquisition from birth to the primary grades. Addresses a foundational understanding of the components of reading including phonemic awareness, concepts of print, phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and writing. Examines early literacy assessment tools and how to implement interventions for diverse learners. Investigates language development, children's literature, and classroom strategies for early literacy instruction. Note: Field experience required.

  • EDUC 526U Assessment, Intervention and Literacy Strategies for Elementary Readers
    Course Offerings

    August 25, 2025 through December 13, 2025
    Wednesday 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

    Tammy Milby
    Christina Saunders

    CRN: 10471 (section: pd1)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    In person. Off-campus meetings required. Teachers seeking professional development only.

    Description

    In-depth examination of reading comprehension, vocabulary development, critical thinking, word study, and writing instruction within elementary classrooms. Exploration across the components of reading of the methods, materials, and assessment tools associated with elementary literacy instruction. Examines assessment tools and learn techniques for meeting the needs of struggling readers. A supervised practical experience will be incorporated into the course. Emphasis is placed on making decisions based upon students' individual needs and critical reflection to improve instructional effectiveness. Analysis of assessment data and use of this information to inform instructional practices including developing reading and writing interventions. Studies effective literacy techniques designed to support diverse learners. Note: Field experience required.

    Prerequisites

    EDUC 524U

  • EDUC 542U Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary and Comprehensive Classrooms
    Course Offerings

    August 25, 2025 through December 13, 2025
    Tuesday 4:20 pm - 6:50 pm

    Robert Spires

    CRN: 10544 (section: pd1)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    In person. Teachers seeking professional development only.

    Description

    Comprehensive introduction to pedagogy to include principles of learning; application of skills in discipline and grade-specific methodology; selection and use of materials; state and national curriculum standards; and evaluation of student performance.

  • EDUC 543U Assessment and Evaluation in Education
    Course Offerings

    August 25, 2025 through December 13, 2025

    Laura Kuti

    CRN: 11168 (section: pd1)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    Online. No scheduled class sessions. Teachers seeking professional development only.

    Description

    Introduction to testing, measurement, and evaluation related to instruction, the construction and use of teacher-made tests, a survey of standardized tests, test interpretation, and basic statistical procedures.

    Prerequisites

    EDUC 542U

  • EDUC 558U Classroom and Behavior Management
    Course Offerings

    August 25, 2025 through December 13, 2025
    Monday, August 25, 2025: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Monday, September 8, 2025: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Monday, September 15, 2025: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Monday, September 29, 2025: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Monday, October 6, 2025: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Monday, October 20, 2025: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Monday, November 3, 2025: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Monday, November 10, 2025: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Monday, December 1, 2025: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

    Beverly Allen-Hardy
    William Hall

    CRN: 11721 (section: pd1)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    In-person/online hybrid. In-person sessions as scheduled. Teachers seeking professional development only.

    Description

    Effective classroom and behavior management skills to build individual responsibility and self-discipline, promote self-regulation, and maintain a positive learning environment. Research-based classroom and behavior management techniques, classroom community building, positive behavior supports, and individual interventions. Note: Field experience required.

    Prerequisites

    EDUC 507U or EDUC 542U